
Why Families Choose The Wild School
We offer children a safe space to grow, build real-world skills, and reconnect with the natural world.
Imagine your child climbing trees, discovering animal tracks, and building shelters while learning essential life skills and building lifelong confidence. At The Wild School, we make this a reality by focusing on what matters most to parents:
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Mirrors How Childhood Was for 95% of Human History
For most of human history, children lived and learned outdoors—building, exploring, and solving problems in nature. Hunter-gatherer societies, which dominated human history, relied on children learning through play and exploration in natural settings. This is the way humans evolved to thrive, and nature school brings that timeless approach back to childhood.
Source: Gray, P. (2011). The Decline of Play and the Rise of Psychopathology in Children and Adolescents. American Journal of Play.
Fosters Whole-Child Development
Time outdoors supports every aspect of your child’s development—physical, emotional, social, and cognitive. The unstructured nature of outdoor play helps children grow holistically.
Source: Kuo, M., Barnes, M., & Jordan, C. (2019). Do Experiences With Nature Promote Learning? Converging Evidence of a Cause-and-Effect Relationship. Frontiers in Psychology.
Nurtures Creativity and Imagination
With nature as their playground, children are free to create their own worlds and solve problems in imaginative ways. Open-ended materials like sticks and stones fuel creativity.
Source: Louv, R. (2008). Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder.
Builds Confidence and Resilience
Climbing trees, building shelters, and overcoming outdoor challenges teach children perseverance, problem-solving, and self-trust—skills they’ll carry throughout life.
Source: Gill, T. (2007). No Fear: Growing Up in a Risk Averse Society.
Supports Mental and Physical Health
Being in nature reduces stress, improves focus, and boosts mood. Outdoor activity also keeps kids active and supports healthy physical development.
Source: Chawla, L. (2015). Benefits of Nature Contact for Children. Journal of Planning Literature.
Encourages Social Growth
Collaborative, child-led play helps kids build teamwork, communication, and conflict-resolution skills while forming meaningful friendships.
Source: Gray, P. (2013). Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life.
Inspires a Love for Nature
Children who spend time outdoors develop a lasting connection to the environment, inspiring them to care for and protect it.
Source: Wells, N., & Lekies, K. (2006). Nature and the Life Course: Pathways From Childhood Nature Experiences to Adult Environmentalism. Children, Youth, and Environments.
Teaches Practical, Hands-On Skills
Activities like building shelters and identifying plants teach kids real-world skills, fostering independence and confidence.
Source: Sobel, D. (2008). Children and Nature: Design Principles for Educators.
Encourages Curiosity and Lifelong Learning
Nature’s endless variety sparks children’s curiosity and inspires them to ask questions, explore, and discover—a foundation for lifelong learning.
Source: Wilson, E. O. (1984). Biophilia.
Reduces Stress and Overwhelm
Nature provides a calming environment where children can decompress, recharge, and focus, helping them feel balanced and happy.
Source: Kaplan, R., & Kaplan, S. (1989). The Experience of Nature: A Psychological Perspective.
Helps Kids Take Healthy Risks
Safe, natural challenges—like balancing on logs or climbing trees—teach kids to assess risks and trust their instincts, building confidence and resilience.
Source: Sandseter, E. B. H. (2007). Risky Play Among Four- and Five-Year-Old Children in Preschool. Evolutionary Psychology.
Fosters a Sense of Community
Nature school creates a supportive environment where children and families connect, fostering belonging and shared experiences.
Source: Louv, R. (2008). Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder.
key benefits
Mirrors How Childhood Was for 95% of Human History
For most of human history, children lived and learned outdoors—building, playing, exploring, and solving problems in nature. Hunter-gatherer societies, which dominated human history, relied on children learning through play and exploration in natural settings. This is the way humans evolved to thrive, and nature school brings that timeless approach back to childhood.
Gray, P. (2011). The Decline of Play and the Rise of Psychopathology in Children and Adolescents. American Journal of Play.
Open-ended play and exploration spark creativity and problem-solving skills.
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Presented by Tamala Francis,
Founder & CEO at Francis & Co.
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